When Valsartan Can Be Taken?
Valsartan is an effective medication that is prescribed for curing high blood pressure (also referred to as Hypertension). Valsartan belongs to Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB) group. It functions by blocking substances inside the body, which are resulting in tightening of blood vessels. Valsartan can be taken standalone or in conjunction with other medications to achieve desired effects. High blood pressure adds to the work load exerted on the arteries and heart. If such increased load maintains during a prolonged time, it may negatively affect the functionality of heart and arteries. As result, the damage can be done to the blood vessels inside the kidneys, heart, and brain, which can lead to stroke, and failure of kidneys or heart. Likewise, in order to decrease the likelihood of heart attacks or strokes, blood pressure should remain at low levels. Valsartan exerts relaxation on blood vessels and reduces blood pressure, which causes enhanced supply of the heart with oxygen and blood.
Besides the abovementioned cases, Valsartan can also be applied for treatment of heart failure and/or left ventricular failure after occurrence of heart attack. Left ventricular failure tend to develop due to stiffness, swelling or enlargement of the left heart side, which results in blood accumulation inside the lungs due to inability of heart to pump blood in a proper manner.
How Valsartan Should Be Properly Taken
Keep in mind that Valsartan is not able to completely cure high blood pressure, but rather to provide assistance in controlling it. Likewise, if your aim is to reduce blood pressure and maintain it at low levels, then you need to continuously take it as per prescription. You should acknowledge, that there is a possibility that you may need to continue taking drugs controlling high blood pressure for your entire life. If high blood pressure is left without treatment, it can result in critical conditions, like blood vessel disease, heart failure, kidney disease, stroke etc.
Valsartan can be administered without or with meals. Make sure you take Valsartan on daily basis at the same time. You are also allowed to continue taking other medications prescribed by your healthcare provider to cure your health condition.
If Valsartan comes in a liquid form, it is required to be shaken for around 10 seconds prior to administration. Since Valsartan is a prescription drug, there is a leaflet with instructions that should be followed at all times and any questions should be discussed with healthcare specialist without any hesitation.
The dosage of Valsartan may vary for different patients. Physician’s instructions should be adhered to at all times. The following dosage summary is related to the average doses only, hence if your prescribed dose is different, abstain from changing it unless there are instructions from your healthcare practitioner.
The dosage is generally dependent on the medicine strength, allocated time in between doses, number of doses allowed per day, treatment duration. However, primarily it all depends on the health issue you are having.
Heart failure requires the following dosage:
- Adults — initially, 40 milligrams (mg) twice a day. The dosage can be changed based on your doctor’s instruction, but will not exceed 320 mg per day.
- Children — the dosage and application of this medicine should be decided by healthcare specialist.
High blood pressure requires the following dosage:
- Adults — initially, 80 or 160 milligrams (mg) one time per day. The dosage can be changed based on your doctor’s instruction, but will not exceed 320 mg per day.
- Children 6 – 16 years old — dose is defined according to body weight and by physician. Initial dose is generally 1.3 milligrams (mg) per 1 kilogram (kg) of body weight and is taken as once a day. The dosage can be changed based on your doctor’s instruction, but will not exceed 160 mg per day or 2.7 mg per 1 kg of body weight.
- Children below 6 years old — Valsartan is prohibited.
Left ventricular failure after heart attack requires the following dosage:
- Adults — initially, 20 milligrams (mg) twice a day. The dosage can be changed based on your doctor’s instruction, but will not exceed 320 mg per day.
- Children—dosage and administration of Valsartan is decided by healthcare provider.
Any missed dose should be taken as soon as you discover it, but should be skipped if the time for the next dose is close. Abstain from doubling the dose in attempt to compensate a missed dose. Keep away from children in a closed container at room temperature conditions. Avoid any exposure to moisture, heat, freezing or direct sunlight.
List of Possible Side Effects and Precautions That Should be Considered When Taking Valsartan
Valsartan is a powerful medication that may cause certain unwanted effects due to interaction with your body system. Hence, close monitoring of your conditions is required throughout the entire treatment period and any deviation should be immediately reported to medical specialist. The following side effects may occur during Valsartan treatment:
- Cold sweat;
- Blood in urine;
- Reduced amount of urine or urination frequency;
- Overall confusion;
- Problems with breathing;
- Dizziness or light-headedness;
- Feeling like you are about to faint;
- Excessive thirst;
- Abnormal heartbeat;
- Appetite loss;
- Pain in lower back area;
- Nausea;
- Numbness or tingling sensations in feet, hands, or lips;
- Swelling of fingers, face, or lower part of legs;
- Abnormal weakness or tiredness;
- Vomiting;
- Increase of body weight.
Any of the abovementioned side effects should be instantly highlighted to your healthcare provider in order to receive a timely medical assistance.